On the Feb. 8 episode, Fedotowsky, a 25 year-old advertising accounts manager, abruptly left the show, explaining that her employer threatened to fire her if she remained on the reality competition. On the show, Pavelka said he was "heartbroken" to see her leave.

Fans were instantaneously devastated about Ali's decision. "If you can, you need to return," one fan pleaded. "It has always been you from the first date, yes, from [the] first date. You and Jake have always looked natural together; the others all look contrived...."